Victoria adjusted the soft pink fabric of her maternity dress in front of the tall mirror.
Her baby bump was prominently showing now, marking six months of a healthy and happy pregnancy.
Downstairs, the grand foyer of the estate was bustling with guests attending the family charity gala.
Julian stepped into the master bedroom, adjusting his black silk tie with a warm smile.
He looked at his wife and felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life they built together.
Julian: You look absolutely breathtaking tonight, my love.
Victoria: Thank you, Julian, though I feel a bit tired already.
Julian: Just say the word and we can excuse ourselves early.
Victoria smiled, resting her hand gently over her stomach while looking toward the open balcony doors.
The afternoon sun poured into the room, creating a bright atmosphere throughout the upper level.
Suddenly, the high heels of a guest clicked loudly against the marble hallway outside their suite.
Vanessa stepped through the doorway, wearing an elegant red dress that immediately drew attention.
Her sharp eyes scanned the room before settling entirely on her younger sister, Victoria.
Vanessa: Still hiding upstairs while everyone else is networking downstairs, Victoria?
Victoria: I needed a moment to rest my feet, Vanessa.
Julian: We were just about to head down together, Vanessa.
Vanessa: Of course you were, Julian, the perfect attentive billionaire husband.
Julian noticed the subtle edge in his sister-in-law's voice and felt an immediate sense of unease.
He knew Vanessa had been bitter ever since their grandfather left the primary family estate to Victoria.
The legal settlement had granted Victoria the house and the majority share in the family business.
Vanessa had received a generous trust fund, but her resentment only grew stronger over time.
Julian: I should check on the security team before the main speeches begin.
Victoria: Go ahead, Julian, I will join you in a few minutes.
Julian kissed his wife's forehead softly before walking out toward the grand stairwell.
Vanessa watched him leave, her expression hardening as soon as the door closed behind him.
She walked slowly toward the balcony, where the cool breeze drifted in over the marble floor.
Vanessa: You always get everything handed to you on a silver platter, don't you?
Victoria: That is not true, Vanessa, and you know how hard I worked.
Vanessa: You got the estate, the company, and now a perfect family.
Victoria felt a sudden coldness in the room that had nothing to do with the outside air.